Level Up Your Legend: The Optimal Level for Kubfu Evolution

So, you’ve acquired the adorable little martial artist, Kubfu, in Pokémon Sword or Shield‘s Isle of Armor DLC, and now you’re itching to evolve it into the powerful Urshifu. The burning question on every trainer’s mind is: What’s the best level to evolve Kubfu?

The answer, in short, is around level 70. While it’s possible to challenge the Tower of Waters or Tower of Darkness at a slightly lower level, hitting the big 7-0 provides a comfortable cushion and ensures Kubfu is adequately prepared for the challenges ahead. Level 70 balances efficient training time with a sufficiently strong Kubfu ready to conquer the towers.

Why Level 70? The Rationale Behind the Recommendation

Several factors contribute to this recommendation:

• Tower Trainer Levels: The trainers within the towers, including the final battle against Mustard, boast Pokémon at relatively high levels. While specific levels vary slightly, expecting opponents in the mid-to-high 60s is a safe bet. A level 70 Kubfu gives you a slight advantage, preventing it from being easily swept.

• Kubfu’s Movepool: Before evolution, Kubfu’s movepool is relatively limited. Reaching level 70 allows it to learn stronger Fighting-type moves that provide effective coverage and significant damage output against the tower’s trainers.

• Survival and Healing: Remember, you can only use Kubfu in your party when taking on the tower. You can use healing items, so having the stat cushion that comes from leveling to 70 or so can be very important for getting through some of the tough matchups.

• Avoiding Frustration: While some trainers relish the challenge of a low-level run, attempting the towers with a significantly under-leveled Kubfu can lead to frustration and repeated defeats. Leveling to 70 streamlines the process, making it a more enjoyable experience.

Level 70 vs. Lower Levels: The Risks and Rewards

While level 70 is the generally advised benchmark, let’s consider the implications of attempting the towers at lower levels:

• Level 60-69: Possible, but requires strategic gameplay and potentially more healing items. This range demands a deeper understanding of type matchups and effective move selection. It could be a fun challenge for experienced players seeking a greater test of skill.

• Level 50-59: A risky proposition. Kubfu will be significantly weaker than the opponents, increasing the likelihood of multiple knockouts. This requires meticulous planning, a lot of luck, and the strategic use of items. Generally not recommended for the average player.

• Below Level 50: Highly discouraged. The level difference will be too significant, making it incredibly difficult to progress through the towers. You’ll likely find yourself constantly retreating and using up all of your healing items.

The Importance of Type Coverage

While Kubfu primarily relies on Fighting-type moves, remember that the final battle against Mustard will involve his own Kubfu. Therefore, having a strategy to deal with another Fighting-type is critical.

As the article suggests, you might bring a Flying-type or Psychic-type Pokémon to help in the final battle. However, you can’t use other Pokémon during the tower challenge itself. Therefore, you might want to make sure your Kubfu knows moves beyond Fighting-type so it has a better chance of winning!

Evolution Time: Tower of Waters or Tower of Darkness?

Choosing between the Tower of Waters and the Tower of Darkness is a crucial decision, as it determines which form Urshifu will take:

• Tower of Waters: Evolves Kubfu into Rapid Strike Style Urshifu, a Fighting/Water type. This form specializes in rapid, multi-hit attacks.

• Tower of Darkness: Evolves Kubfu into Single Strike Style Urshifu, a Fighting/Dark type. This form focuses on powerful, single-blow attacks.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your team composition and preferred playstyle. While the article notes that the Tower of Darkness is easier because of Kubfu’s natural advantage over the Dark-type Pokémon inside, remember that the final battle against Mustard will occur regardless.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Kubfu and Urshifu

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of Kubfu’s evolution:

1. What is the earliest level I can technically evolve Kubfu? It’s possible to evolve Kubfu at lower levels if you’re willing to grind and rely on items. Some players have evolved Kubfu as low as level 30.

2. Do EV training and IVs matter for Kubfu’s tower challenge? While optimized EVs and IVs can provide a slight edge, they are not essential for completing the towers. A properly leveled Kubfu with a decent moveset is sufficient.

3. Which Urshifu form is stronger? The article mentions both have the same ability and stats, so they’re evenly matched.

4. Can I change Urshifu’s form after it evolves? No, once Kubfu evolves into either Rapid Strike or Single Strike Urshifu, the form is permanent. Choose wisely!

5. Can I get both versions of Kubfu in a single game? Yes, but only at the Tower that you cleared. After clearing the Tower with your original Kubfu, you can re-enter it and advance to the top of the tower without talking or battling to any NPCs. The other Kubfu you want to evolve must be at the front of your party and out of its Pokeball. Go to and select the scroll.

6. Can Kubfu be shiny? No, unfortunately, Kubfu cannot be shiny in the main game. This is because it’s a legendary, and the one you receive is shiny-locked.

7. Can Kubfu breed? No, Kubfu cannot breed, even with Ditto. As a legendary Pokémon, it’s in the Undiscovered Egg Group.

8. What item should Kubfu hold during the tower challenge? Items like Rocky Helmet can be useful for dealing damage to opponents who use contact moves. You’ll be able to heal up between fights, so you can switch items out.

9. What are some good moves for Kubfu to learn before challenging the towers? Early on, Rock Smash and Brick Break are reliable choices. As Kubfu levels up, it can learn more powerful moves like Dynamic Punch and Close Combat.

10. Is it possible to lose the final battle against Mustard? Yes, it is possible to lose. If you do, you’ll need to heal your Kubfu and try again. Mustard’s Kubfu is no pushover!

11. Does Kubfu need to know specific moves to evolve? No, the evolution is triggered by completing the tower challenge and interacting with the scroll, regardless of Kubfu’s moveset.

12. Can I use Dynamax or Gigantamax during the tower challenge? No, Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing are not allowed within the towers.

13. What is the difference between Single Strike and Rapid Strike Urshifu? They are identical except for typing and movepool. Single Strike is a Fighting/Dark type while Rapid Strike is a Fighting/Water type.

14. What are some of the best resources for learning more about Pokémon game mechanics and strategies? The Games Learning Society website (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) offers valuable resources on game-based learning and the intricacies of game design and mechanics. GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource for understanding the mechanics behind games.

15. Is there a way to get a second Kubfu in Pokémon Sword and Shield? No, you can only get one Kubfu per save file in Pokémon Sword or Shield. However, you can trade with other players or use Pokémon HOME to transfer Kubfu from other games.

By following these guidelines and preparing Kubfu adequately, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer the Tower of Waters or Tower of Darkness and unlock the power of Urshifu! Happy training!